Aleutians East Borough School District and Eastern Aleutians Tribes host the 37th Great American Smokeout in Sand Point Alaska

George Cromer III
Aleutians East Borough School Districtgcromer@aebsd.org 907-386-1340

For Immediate Release: November 9,2012

Aleutians East Borough School District and Eastern Aleutians Tribes host the 37th Great American Smokeout in Sand Point Alaska

Sand Point, ALASKA — November 15 marks the 37th annual American Cancer Society‘s Great American Smokeout (ACS GASO), a day highlighting the dangers of tobacco use and the challenges of quitting. ACS GASO encourages smokers to use the annual date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. The number one thing tobacco users can do to improve their health and extend their life is to quit. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life and reduce their cancer risk.

Sand Point Schools, Fighting Against Teen Smoking (F.A.T.S.) and Eastern Aleutian Tribes Sand Point Clinic will be hosting an ACS GASO event at the Sand Point City Gym. F.A.T.S a student lead youth group will conduct tobacco prevention games and activities for participants. Prizes will be awarded to participants, and food will be provided.

Reducing the use of tobacco in Alaska will dramatically improve the health and well being of Alaskans, as tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in Alaska, causing nearly 600 deaths each year. In fact, tobacco use causes more deaths each year in Alaska than suicide, motor vehicle crashes, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, homicide and HIV/AIDS combined.

Quitting is hard, but getting help increases the chances of success. Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line is free and confidential, and provides the resources and support that can increase chances of quitting successfully. To learn more call Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit alaskaquitline.com or facebook.com/ alaskaquitline.